[ Junroi Mamai ]
CHANGLANG, 15 Apr: Despite the date of polls nearing and political rallies and campaigns almost in their last leg, the candidates are not showing any sign of slowing down their efforts to woo potential voters in Changlang district, which has two assembly constituencies (AC): 53-Changlang North, and 52-Changlang South.
From Changlang North AC, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded two-time sitting MLA and Deputy Speaker Tesam Pongte (49), with hopes of securing the seat for the third consecutive time.
Pongte had a successful run from 2014 to 2024. However, the sitting MLA might find it difficult to maintain his winning streak this time around, owing to the growing sentiment of anti-incumbency among the voters.
Two main challengers, both first-timers, have come up against Pongte, and could give him a tough fight.
One promising candidate among the two challengers is 37-year-old newcomer Dihom Kitnya from the National People’s Party (NPP).
Hailing from Hatongchu village, Kitnya is riding on the wave of anti-incumbency and has much appeal among the youth population. Despite having no political background, the young candidate has managed to garner much support from the youths of the constituency. Kitnya is associated with the RSS and has been involved in drug rehabilitation work for many years, earning him much recognition and popularity.
The other strong candidate from the constituency is the Indian National Congress’ (INC) Marina Kenglang, who has been a long-time Congress party worker. The 51-year-old was also a former two-time ZPM (2008-2013) and one-time ZPC (2013-2015).
Kenglang also has a strong support base among the locals, especially women voters.
The fourth candidate in the fray is the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) Nyasam Jongsam. The 50-year-old candidate is also a first-timer. Prior to joining the NCP, Jongsam was the district Congress president.
In the Changlang South AC, the BJP has fielded 47-year-old Hamjong Tangha in the elections. The new BJP entrant had contested from the constituency earlier, in 2009, on an NCP ticket, but lost to late MLA Phosum Khimhun. The struggling candidate was chosen by the BJP following the sudden demise of veteran politician and five-time BJP MLA Phosum Khimhun due to a heart attack on 9 March this year.
Against Hamjong Tangha are two newcomers: one from the NPP, and the other from the NCP.
The NPP’s candidate is 37-year-old Timpu Ngemu from Yanman village, while the NCP’s entrant is a 33-year-old youth, Salman Salnang Mungrey, from Kantang village, who has been active in student union politics prior to joining mainstream politics.
